Tattoos are one of our favorite ways to express yourself, and there are plenty of great tattoo shops in NYC where you can get excellent work done. Whether you’re looking for a $50 design or you want your entire body tatted, there are plenty of shops in the city you can visit. But, if you want quality ink, you have to go to a reputable tattoo studio with qualified staff. So, to help you find a shop that is capable of creating the design you want, here is a list of the best tattoo shops in NYC!
1. Daredevil Tattoo, Chinatown
Daredevil Tattoo is not only one of the best tattoo shops in NYC, but it’s also a tattoo museum dedicated to the history of the art form. The shop opened in 1997 and specializes in traditional American tattoos but is open to different styles. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from the personal collection of co-owner Brad Fink, and offers visitors a brief history lesson while they’re getting tatted.
Where: 141 Division Street
2. Studio 28 Tattoos, Chelsea
Studio 28 is a shop in Chelsea that does custom tattoos and body piercings. They offer various styles, including modern and traditional designs, and their staff is knowledgeable and experienced. This is one of the best tattoo studios for those looking to get a full sleeve and a piercing, too.
Where: 108 W 28th St
3. East Side Ink, East Village
One of the oldest tattoo shops in NYC, East Side Ink opened its doors in 1992, when the practice of tattooing was actually illegal in the city. The shop is owned by acclaimed artist Andrea and originally catered exclusively to bikers and hardcore fans. Today, the shop caters mostly to musicians, celebrities, and general tattoo enthusiasts. In addition to tattooing, they also offer laser removal and micro blading services!
Where: 88 Rivington Street
4. Jonboy Tattoo, Times Square
Jonboy Tattoo is a shop and business owned by Jonathon “Jonboy” Valena, a celebrity tattoo artist specializing in minimalist designs. Jonboy specializes in “tiny tattoos,” which are fine line designs offering character and subtlety. His list of celebrity clients includes everyone from Travis Scott to Justin Bieber, and he works closely with customers to ensure they get a tat that reflects their personality. Jonboy Tattoo is available by appointment only.
Where: Moxy Times Square at 485 7th Avenue
5. First Class Tattoo, Chinatown
First Class Tattoo is a Chinatown shop that offers artistically rendered and custom tattoos. They work in various styles, including color realism, fine line, neo-traditionalism, and many more. Visitors can book a session based on the style they’re interested in or choose from their extensive roster of experienced in-house or guest artists! In addition to tattooing, they also offer removal – so if you regret your decision, you can return and have it removed!
Where: 52 Canal Street
6. Eight of Swords, Williamsburg
Eight of Swords is a tattoo shop in Williamsburg that offers flash tattoos, cover-ups, custom designs, and free consultations. The shop has been open since 2009 and is located in an old storefront from the 1840s. The studio also features artwork from up-and-coming artists from all over the world. It frequently hosts parties that allow visitors to network with other creatives and tattoo enthusiasts and purchase brand-new custom artwork. Eight of Swords is one of our favorite Brooklyn tattoo shops that accepts walk-ins.
Where: 115 Grand Street, Brooklyn
7. Grit n Glory, Greenwich Village
Grit N Glory is a lifestyle brand and tattoo parlor located in Greenwich Village. The shop was founded by Megan Massacre of NY Ink fame and specializes in illustrative, color tattoos. Each resident artist specializes in a different tattooing style and offers custom ink tailored to your specifications. In addition to tattoos, they also sell hoodies, t-shirts, phones, cases, home goods, and various other memorabilia, making this the perfect shop to represent with merch after getting your new tat.
Where: 214 Sullivan Street
8. Kings Avenue Tattoo, Bowery
Kings Avenue Tattoo is a tattoo studio with locations in both New York and North Carolina. Founder Mike Rubendall opened his NYC location after finding success on Long Island and in Durham, NC. They offer a modern take on traditional tattoos and specialize in different styles like Japanese, American, traditional, and black and white. If you’re looking for full-body Japanese tattoos in NYC, this is the shop you’ll want to visit.
Where: 188 Bowery
9. White Rabbit Tattoo, LES
White Rabbit Tattoo is a tattoo studio in the Lower East Side that offers modern designs and 100% vegan products and ink. They pride themselves on having some of the most creative and innovative staff in NYC and providing custom designs in a relaxed and professional environment. They specialize in Japanese tattoos and watercolor techniques, although they offer a range of styles.
Where: 121 Essex St
10. Bang Bang, Soho
Bang Bang is one of the top tattoo shops in NYC for those searching for simple, minimalist designs. Founded by celebrity tattoo artist Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, the shop has served famous customers ranging from LeBron James to Miley Cyrus. This spot also features an extensive roster of talented local tattoo artists who specialize in unique styles – although Bang Bang’s claim to fame is micro-tattooing. They have two locations in Lower Manhattan, one on Grand Street and one on Broome Street, both outfitted with sleek modern décor that gives visitors a taste of luxury and sophistication.
Where: 328 Broome Street & 62 Grand Street
11. East River Tattoo, Greenpoint
East River Tattoo is a popular shop on the waterfront in Greenpoint. This intimate shop first opened in 2000 by its owner Duke Riley and specializes in custom tattoos inspired by maritime folk art and 19th-century traditional tattoos. They have five resident artists specializing in different styles of tattooing. They also offer custom designs and frequent flash sales!
Where: 1047 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
12. Rising Dragon Tattoos, Union Square
Rising Dragon Tattoos offers a wide range-ability of tattoo styles including Japanese, Realistic, Cover-up Tattoos, Full Color, Portraits, Black & Gray, Polynesian Maori Triba, and more. Their centralized location in Union Square makes it easy to set up an appointment and get your new custom ink! Because they’ve been open for over 30 years (wow!), they’ve built their reputation into being one of the best tattoo shops in the city. Their hand-picked artists are extremely talented and super passionate about their craft. There is no custom tattoo that they won’t master!
Where: 51 W 14th St, Suite 2R
13. Electric Anvil Tattoo, Crown Heights
Electric Anvil Tattoo and Piercing is a tattoo shop in Crown Heights that specializes in American traditional and Japanese designs. They also offer a $100 “get what you get” option, where customers put a token in a gumball machine that will spit out a plastic ball with a design inside!
Where: 648 Franklin Street, Brooklyn
14. Haven Tattoo Studio, Bushwick
Haven Tattoo Studio is a women and queer owned business that vows to create a safe space for women and LGBTQIA+ folks. Located in Bushwick, their vibrant and colorful space is home to their founder and tattoo artist Jessica Valentine. She offers a variety of styles of tattoos including traditional, fineline, and even cosmetic tattoos. The studio space is super cute and Jessica is a pleasure to work with!
Where: 662 Woodward Ave, Brooklyn
15. Uplift Tattoo, Soho
Uplift Tattoo is a high end parlor located in Soho that focuses mainly on fineline tattoos, lettering tattoos, geometric tattoos, ornamental tattoos, dainty tattoos, black and grey tattoos, traditional tattoos, and blackwork. Their roster of 12 different artists allows you to pick a specialist based on your design! The reason we love this shop so much though is their constant flash tattoo sales. Starting at just $50, you can take advantage of their promos that can help give you a new tat at a great price. They also do piercings as well!
Where: 497 Broome St
16. Smith Street Tattoo Parlour, Carroll Gardens
Last but not least is Smith Street Tattoo Parlour, the true home of authentic New York tattoos. Thanks to their talented crew of artists, their motto of “good luck trying to find a better place” rings forever true. Since opening in 2008, this shop is internationally known and prides itself on acing any tattoo request that steps through their doors. You can get just about any design or any style you want here, so we suggest going in to meet some of the most kind-hearted artists around.
Where: 411 Smith St, Brooklyn
17. Flower World, Carroll Gardens
Flower World is a worker-owned tattoo studio in Brooklyn that caters to many interests and backgrounds.
18. Atelier Eva, Williamsburg
Atelier Eva is a specialty tattoo studio and lifestyle experience created by Turkish artist Eva Karabudak, a world-renowned artist who has tattooed the likes of Sam Smith, SZA, and Joe Jonas. With an incredibly calming aura complete with relaxing incense, music, and beautiful furniture, Atelier Eva has become synonymous with a forward-thinking tattoo culture that connects with people from all walks of life.
19. Vestige Tattoo, Williamsburg
Vestige is a women-owned shop that firmly believes that the tattoo experience should be affirming and free of discrimination. Founder Hannah Kang, an immigrant from South Korea, dreamed of a tattoo studio where everyone, regardless of gender or identity, felt welcome. Vestige Studio was born with that goal in mind. At Vestige, every artist is chosen with the intention to create lasting pieces of art with you while honoring your respect every step of the way.
20. Tender Foot Studios, Bushwick
Located in a renovated textile factory, the studio is spacious, modern, and bright. The atmosphere is calm, comfortable, and private. Tenderfoot Studio is TGNC and LGBTQ+ & womxn owned and welcomes all people from all backgrounds, including (but of course not limited to) every race, every gender, every sexual orientation, and every religion!